I am preparing to move from Kentucky to southern Alabama. I have two spec. caimen that will be making the move with me. They will be going into a new enclosure that I have already set up but the move time is about a ten hour drive. I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on making the move easier on my animals. They are rarely handled, only when they get their vet checks and when cleaning their home. The female is 38 inches and the male is 49. Both are fantastic eaters but I don't know whether I should worry about tying their jaws, when they should eat last before the move ect?? The other question I have is would lowering the temperature in their habitat a few days before the move help in making them more docile, or would it cause more stress on them then is really needed. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, I have not been able to find any regulations into caimens for the state of Alabama. The closest thing to it is a code that limits all exotic animals, but I see the pet stores here selling all sorts of exotics. Anyone know anything about this?? Thanks again.
Chris
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Moving.
Replies (2)
I don't know about the laws there. I would check on this before the move.
Moving them should be pretty easy. At that size I would use a plastic tote. I think the size is a 50gal, one in each. I have had little trouble with this. You can line the bottom with something soft (hay or a bath I would not worry about lowering the temperature and I would not feed them for about 48 hours before the trip. I would make sure they are well feed in prior weeks as they may not wish take food in the new environment.
If you are going to secure the jaws a shoe lace or similar item should work fine. I wouldn't use tape as in they may manage to work it down over their nostrils. I have used tape in the past and have never had this happen, but I would play it safe. Ideally I only secure the jaws when moving the animal. I usually use a towel for this purpose.
These are pretty good sized caiman. What are you going to keep them in?
John
I have just finished a new enclosure for them. The pond is 500 gallons or so. It is 7ft square and 18inches deep. It has two basking area's that are each 4ft by 5 ft. I have taken alot of pictures of the build and I will hopefully get them posted shortly. This is the third enclosure I have built and to be honest, I am kind of proud of this one. =) Thanks for the advice.
Chris
